The giant crocodile lived on Green Island, a reserve in the northeast of Australia. He died a few weeks after his owner moved to a retirement home.
Even if his real age remains controversial, one thing is certain, Cassius was indeed the largest crocodile in the world living in captivity. The reptile measured almost 5.50 meters and weighed more than a ton according to the British channel Sky News which relayed the announcement of its death.
Cassius had been purchased by George Craig, the founder of the Marineland Melanesia Crocodile Habitat. “He brought joy and companionship to his best friend George for over 37 years,” the reserve announced on its Facebook account. George Craig, however, had to move on October 5 to live in a retirement home. Ten days later, Cassius’ health began to deteriorate. A cause and effect link?
Last year, Cassius celebrated his 120th birthday, but this supposed age was a source of questions. Indeed, interviewed in June 2023 by the ABC TV channel, crocodile specialist Graeme Webb affirmed that Cassius was between 30 and… 80 years old at the time of his capture.
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In any case, according to the Guinness Book, Cassius had become, in 2011, the largest crocodile in the world to live in captivity. He briefly lost his title the following year to Lolong, a saltwater crocodile living in the Philippines. The latter measured 6.2 meters long. Cassius regained his title upon the death of his fellow man in February 2013.
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